Press n Peel Test 3

Test Summary
Our goal is to use Press n Peel film as a one-step way to get a multi-tonal, photographic intaglio print. In traditional tonal etching the plate is coated with an aquatint ground and etched in stages, creating various depths in the plate. This film presents an opportunity to nix out the step-by step biting process needed to produce an image with tonal complexity, and suggests the ability to do it all in one bite. The key, we believe, is to embed a “screen” in the original image so that the Brother toner printer prints the image in tiny bits. In this way, the image acts as both an aquatint ground and as a dictator of tone. The following test documents our first foray into using a photographic image to test this hypothesis.

Plate PreparationSince we had achieved success with image transferring, the next step was to test the film with an actual photographic image. We chose an image taken from test 1, a photograph of a putty knife placed next to a tub of Graphic Chemical Ink.

We opened the image in Photoshop CS2 and resized it to 5.25″x 4″ under Image>Image Size to fit the plate. We converted the image to Grayscale under Image>Mode>Grayscale, then inverted the colors to obtain the negative of the image under Image>Adjustments>Invert. From here we converted the image to Bitmap under Image>Mode>Bitmap in hopes this would provide us the dot pattern we need at 150 pixels/cm. In the same option window, the method of Bitmap applied was as a halftone screen at 53 lines/cm in a round shape. We then printed the completed images on one sheet of PCB Press-N-Peel Blue film with a Brother HL-2280DW laser printer.

The plate was degreased with a 1:1 ratio of soy sauce to water. The film was laid on the plate image side down. We ironed sections in increments at 300 degrees F for about one minute. A bone folder was used to force bubbles out from between the film and the plate as we went. We ironed the entirety of the film to the plate for about 7 more minutes, making sure the iron spent plenty of time on all edges of the film to ensure full transfer.

The plate was then cooled long enough to handle, then flooded with cool water for about 1 minute. The film was then peeled off the plate.

Original image

Image to be printed on film

Etching Notes
The plate was placed in a ferric chloride bath of 40 degrees Baume. After it was removed from the tank, it was allowed to drip for a few seconds then placed in a water bath for several minutes before handling.

Timed Application of Mordant
30 minutes

Removal of Grounds
The Press n Peel film was removed with #00 Steel Wool, Water, and a small amount of Bon Ami all-purpose cleaner, then rinsed clean with cool water.

After Bath Evaluation
Close inspection of the image area indicates that small indents and disruptions in the image occurred where the bone folder was used too vigorously in pressing out bubbles.

Inking Methods
The ink used was Graphic Chemical Bone Black Etching Ink No 514C. It was applied with a small piece of card stock to press the ink into the etched areas. It was then wiped with a piece of tarletan to remove the ink from the surface area while leaving the inked tooth intact.

Test Conclusion
As stated above, there are small scratches present in the image where the bone folder was used too aggressively to press out bubbles between the film and the plate. Otherwise, the printed image is mostly true to the negative. One large area where it is not true, however, is in places where the tones are mostly or completely black. These areas will etch as an open bite since there are little (if any) dots of toner being transferred to these area by the film. As it currently stands, however, the film can indeed produce an image with a wide tonal range. Subsequent tests will involve trying increased resolution images, as our print seen here appears rather pixelated and our goal is to achieve a more fluid image. Additionally, we will be taking steps to see if we can in fact achieve a flat black with this method, or if in the end an actual aquatint will need to be applied to the plate alongside the Press-N-Peel film.

Printed Images

Top to bottom: Etched plate, Film positive left after transfer, Final printed image. Note the small scratches left in the image from the bone folder.